Homes

Lovin' new and old New York

Touring terrific home-decor shops and a stop in a bistro or two

New on the SoHo scene C Wonder takes a maximalist approach to home decor with bright colour and bold patterns

Photograph by: Handout photo
, National Post

For me, a weekend in New York City starts as soon as I jump in a cab and head to the airport. No matter how well I plan or pack, I'm always a mess until I board the plane. That's why the comfy leather arm chairs and complimentary cappuccinos and WiFi in the Porter lounge are equivalent to the zen of a yoga class. From Newark airport, I sometimes take a $60 cab into Manhattan, but there's also a New Jersey Transit train for $12.

There are many good hotels in New York. But if for those who love classic style with Parisian flair, there's The NoMad Hotel (thenomadhotel.com), located north of Madison Square Park at Broadway and 28th. The fully restored Beaux-Arts building with interiors by French designer Jacques Garcia feels like a home away from home because of elements such as the original and eclectic art, reclaimed hardwood floors and Pashmina throw at the foot of the bed. I also appreciate details like the separate water closet and heavenly king-sized bed dressed in Frette linens.

New York is all about the new and the classic. But, as much as I love seeing what's new, I always start with what's familiar. As soon as I fill my belly at Westville (Westvillenyc.com) where the food is simple and fresh, I walk to the High Line (thehighline.org) a public park filled with perennial gardens and built on an historic freight-rail line above the streets of the city's west side. Recently, the High Line was extended to 34th between 10th and 11th. I like to get off at 16th Street and pop into the Chelsea Market (chelseamarket.com) for a green juice from the raw foods bar One Lucky Duck (oneluckyduck.com). Don't worry if you're not a raw foodist, the Chelsea market (chelseamarket.com) is home to countless restaurants, bakeries, specialty shops, fantastic sample sales, and my favourite New York chocolate shop, Jacques Torres (mrchocolate.com). If you want to feel like you're Veruca Salt from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, head to the Hudson Square location.

From the market, I walk to Bleecker Street and meander through the West Village. It's become a little commercial but still has tree-lined charm and plenty of boutique shops.

From the West Village, I continue on to SoHo where there are a multitude of design stores for modernists and traditionalists alike. I never leave New York without visiting Thomas O'Brien's home boutique Aero (aerostudios.com). Design junkies will love his hand-picked collection of tabletop goods, accessories and refurbished vintage lighting and furniture; think antique brass, nailhead detailing and fine woods.

New to SoHo is lifestyle flagship store C Wonder (cwonder.com). It's filled with bright colours, au courant patterns, and well-priced clothing, accessories and home decor. The five destination-inspired styles for the home - Palm Springs Modern, Hollywood Rengency, English Townhouse, Vail Cabin and American dream - are geared to "charming, chic and cheerful women who are ready for something wonderful to happen." I made a large set of wonderful ikat-patterned orange-and-white porcelain bowls happen within 30 seconds of walking through C Wonder's giant green doors.

And, while I love boutiques, I always make my way to Bergdorf Goodman (bergdorfgoodman.com) on Fifth Avenue. Bergdorf's top floor is filled with unique and exclusive decor finds and is one of the best curated home sections of any department store.

When it comes to restaurants in New York, I ashamedly admit I am a spoiled brat. If the decor stinks, or the restaurant looks iffy, or doesn't have a healthy menu option, I will leave. If you're looking for a bustling scene, Balthazar (balthazarny.com) is a classic downtown hotspot. The design of the large and airy French bistro makes me feel like I'm in a Paris brasserie. The service is excellent; plus, I love a place where I can drink a glass of Beaujolais the size of my head.

Italian taverna Locanda Verde (locandaverdenyc.com) in Tribeca has piles of style, boasting high ceilings and tall French windows. The mood is casual. The food is rustic and delicious; and the desserts are divine, especially the Chocolate Budino. Last, Café Cluny (cafecluny.com), located on a cobblestone corner in the West Village is a quiet and cozy place to have tea (or wine) and dessert after a long day of shopping.

My final destination and reason for going to Manhattan is the Kips Bay Decorator Show House (open until June 14; kipsbaydecoratorshowhouse.org). I go every year and this year did not disappoint. The incredible work of design greats such as Thom Filicia, Jamie Drake, Bunny Williams and Charlotte Moss (and many more) make my heart skip a beat in every room. A tour of the Kips Bay Show House is like walking through 30 pages of the best decorating magazine on newsstands, sans advertising, and only in New York.

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